Sompting boy joins Queen and PM for VJ Day event

A CHILD from Sompting was among the guests of honour – which included the Queen and Prime Minister – during a VJ commemoration in London on Saturday (August 15).

Eight-year-old Jack Brockley-Blatt, of Cokeham Lane, was invited to take part in the service at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square.

Jack was one of two great-grand children of far east prisoners of war who lit candles in remembrance and the hope for peace in front of the Queen, Prince Philip, the Prime Minster David Cameron and other members of the Royal family.

Jack, a pupil at Sompting Village Primary School, was asked by the National Far East Prisoners of War Fellowship Remembrance Association to lit the candle in honour of his great grandfather David Blatt, who died, last year.

Jack’s proud mum, Chris, 43, was there with him on the day.

She said: “We were so proud of him because he treated it with such respect. He was so, so mature.

“He was saying ‘Mummy I’m a bit scared about doing this’. But we told him he was a hero like Han Solo or Luke Skywalker.”

Jack had a close relation ship with his great-grandad, David, who lived in Loxwood Avenue, Worthing.

“He would have been so proud,” added Chris. “He was very proud of him while he was alive. He was one of the few people that he could remember at the end.”

David died following a prolonged battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

His funeral was held at Worthing Crematorium.

It was here that Jack was spotted by a chaplain from the National Far East Prisoner of War Association who invited the youngster to take part in the ceremony in London.

Chris said: “We just couldn’t believe it.

Jack’s moment was broadcast on to the nation as part of the BBC’s and Sky News’ coverage of the event.

It was part of a nationwide commemoration which saw communities across the UK paying tribute to all those who fought, and died, in the conflict against the Japanese.

Japan eventually surrendered to the allied forces on August 14, 1945 – finally ending the Second World War.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.